What's the Difference between Warehouse & Showroom Furniture?

When visiting a warehouse furniture store, you may notice that there are several large differences compared to furniture showrooms. So, which location is the best place to shop for new home furnishings and decor? The answer is that it depends on your individual needs and preferences. There are significant benefits to shopping at each, while warehouses and showrooms can both have downsides as well. However, there are a few things to look for that will likely be present at both types of locations that signal the store is an excellent place to shop.
Here's everything you need to know about the differences between warehouse furniture stores and showrooms.

Key Differences: Warehouse Furniture Store vs. Showroom

Take these differences into account before visiting a warehouse furniture store or showroom to have the best possible experience. Knowing what to expect, and what questions to ask, ahead of time can significantly improve your chances of finding precisely the items you're looking for in a way that meets your needs.

Inventory

One of the main differences between warehouse furniture stores and showrooms is the amount of inventory that a location is likely to have on hand. Warehouses often have more inventory physically available for you to take home that very same day or to immediately ship. Alternately, showrooms often don't carry as large a quantity of items and you may have to wait for a period of time before they can deliver your goods.
However, warehouses are also likely to only have in-stock items available, whereas showrooms are more likely to have ordering capability. At a warehouse furniture store, you may be limited to what they have in the back and only what they have in the back. A showroom may be able to place an order with the distributor to get more of an item if they are out or do not have the piece on-site.
Tip: If you're looking for a warehouse furniture store, try to find one with multiple locations. Finding a retail chain may provide you with the ability to access inventory at other locations as well.

Pricing

Another significant difference between warehouse furniture stores and showrooms is pricing. A warehouse is more likely to have overstock, clearance, and last season's items, leading to a steeper discount on available furniture. A showroom, on the other hand, is more likely to have the latest styles, colors, and patterns. However, you are also more likely to pay the full price.
Tip: If you're thinking of heading to a furniture showroom, look up when the location has its biggest sales of the year and time your shopping around these events. This can help you to get a great deal on a current piece in the latest style.

Displays

If you're visiting a furniture showroom it's likely that you will see model or demo rooms set up with matching sets and pieces. You may be able to see a sectional, a chair, coffee table, area rug, and tabletop artwork all arranged to create one cohesive look. This enables you to get a feel for how certain items and colors go together and can give you some excellent decorating ideas.
A warehouse furniture store, on the other hand, is more likely to have many items in boxes or on shelves. You may not get the same opportunity to see different pieces placed together or full rooms set up with a theme. If you already know precisely what you're looking for, this might not bother you. However, keep in mind that it may also be more challenging to envision the full sizing of items, or what a particular wood stain will look like, for example.
Tip: Look up pieces before you shop, and check out the Internet for styling ideas. See if you can find bloggers or the manufacturer's website with images of the furniture set up and ready to go.

Similarities to Look Out For

Just as there are many differences between warehouse furniture stores and showrooms, there are certain similarities that you should always look out for. There are many furniture stores in Phoenix that offer these perks and bonuses and make shopping well worth it.

Price Matching

Always look for a warehouse or showroom that offers price matching. Do not assume that simply because you are shopping at a warehouse, which typically offers already discounted prices, that this is not an option. There are many warehouse furniture stores that do promise to price match. This may include price matching their own deals, providing you with a refund if an item's cost drops again in a set amount of time, or matching a competitor's prices to give you the same great deal.

Product Guarantees

Product guarantees and warranties are extremely important and can save you quite a bit of money and time if you do experience a product defect. Make sure that the warehouse furniture store you're shopping at provides at least some coverage on the items they sell; again, do not assume this isn't possible just because you're shopping at a discount.
Furthermore, there are many furniture retailers, both warehouses and showrooms, that offer extended guarantees on products. These guarantees may protect against accidental damage such as tears or rips in upholstery, stains, spills, and more.

Delivery Services

While many furniture stores provide free pick-up, meaning if you transport your furniture home there is no additional cost, choosing a retailer that offers great delivery services is key. Often, people buy more furniture than they can move in their car alone. And, it can be too heavy to move between spaces. Not only this, but everyone knows that assembling furniture can cause a major headache.
For these reasons, ask about services such as white glove delivery. There are warehouse furniture stores and showrooms that provide this option, where representatives will not only bring the items to your home, but also set everything up where and how you like it.

Warehouse Furniture Stores vs. Showrooms: Which Is Better?

Many people want to know which is better: shopping at a warehouse furniture store or visiting a showroom? The reality is that they both present great options. If you're looking to view things assembled, in a real-life setting, a showroom may be best for you. However, if you know what you're looking for and you're looking to score great deals, give a warehouse a try. Be sure to inquire about additional services and customer perks so that you get the most for your money!